Given their chance, efuels (synthetic fuels) could help us and the planet!! Kim Henson writes: The German fuelling association ‘UNITI’ has very recently presented the second edition of the European magazine “Efuels Report Europe”, and I have just studied in depth its 28 pages… This comprehensive document sets out in detail, and in a balanced manner considering many aspects, the challenges … [Read more...]
Features by Kim Henson
In life, sometimes there are things that you just have to do. In my case many of them relate to my twin loves of 1) motoring, and 2) using writing to convey to others (and share with) my fascination for the subject.
I have been passionate about cars for as long as I can remember, and have always had a thirst for knowledge concerning how and why they work, and how to keep them operating as they should. In addition, I’ve always enjoyed driving, and trying to fairly assess and compare the various good and bad points of different makes and models.
Bamboo Bikes – Made in Ghana, sold from Cornwall
Kim Henson describes an alternative form of bicycle construction which employs sustainable bamboo for the main frame assembly, and provides work for people in Ghana… (Photographs by Roots Yard/Roots Bamboo Bikes). My wife and I were recently enjoying a short break in Cornwall when a chance encounter with Jacqueline Ababio introduced us to the concept of bicycles constructed using bamboo. This … [Read more...]
For Your (Christmas and New Year) Bookshelf – Seven Years With Samantha (Around the World in a Vintage Austin Seven)
For Your (Christmas and New Year!) Bookshelf – Seven Years With Samantha (Around the World in a Vintage Austin Seven) Reviewed by: Kim Henson Author: Clive Ball (with black and white photographs by the author, plus drawings by Cedric Baxter) Published by: Patrick Stephens Ltd. (First edition September 1974) 248 pages (hardback) UK Price: Varies (no longer in print but used copies are … [Read more...]
Suzuki Vitara ALLGRIP Full Hybrid SZ5 – Road Test
Kim Henson assesses the Full Hybrid all wheel drive (‘ALLGRIP’) SZ5 version of Suzuki’s latest Vitara. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). The Vitara compact SUV has long been a favourite among buyers, offering good performance, affordable running costs and top notch reliability, in addition to everyday versatility for family motoring. From the spring of 2022 the … [Read more...]
Austin A30/A35 book; Accessible Classics, ‘Enjoying Your Austin’
If you are own, or are interested in buying, an Austin A30 or A35, or are just fascinated by the vehicles, this book may be useful and enjoyable for you... says Kim. Okay I'll declare an interest at once – since I wrote this book and it was a labour of love, taking six years to put together. Several 'Wheels-Alive' readers have been in touch to ask if this Austin book is still available; the … [Read more...]
Suzuki S-Cross Ultra ALLGRIP Full Hybrid – Road Test
Kim Henson test-drives the latest Full Hybrid all wheel drive ‘Ultra’ version of Suzuki’s S-Cross SUV, during a week of stormy weather… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). A well-respected model within Suzuki’s line-up, the practical S-Cross SUV has evolved through the years and within the last 12 months there have been many changes. Before looking in detail at the … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – Herbert Austin’s Heavy Twelve-Four – ‘A very dependable motorcar’
Reviewed by Kim Henson Author: Jim Stringer Published by: Herridge and Sons Ltd. 128 pages (hardback), with colour and black and white photographs (over 300 illustrations) UK List Price: Offer price for signed copies, £32.50 (£7.50 off the normal price of £40.00) ISBN: 978-1-914929-00-7 Available from: Herridge and Sons Ltd; www.herridgeandsons.com At the outset I should declare … [Read more...]
Latest Genesis models (including electric-powered versions) – First Impressions
Kim Henson samples new cars from the Genesis stable… including their latest ‘electrified’ models. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). When I test drove a number of Genesis ‘luxury’ vehicles late last year and in the spring of 2022, the firm was new to the U.K. and at that stage all their cars were petrol or diesel powered, as the Genesis name and brand were introduced to … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – S. F. Edge – Maker of Motoring History
For Your Bookshelf – S. F. Edge – Maker of Motoring History. Reviewed by Kim Henson. Author: Simon Fisher Published by: Evro Publishing: https://www.evropublishing.com/ 192 pages hardback UK Price: £45.00 (65 U.S. Dollars) ISBN: 978-1-910515-79-3 Selwyn Francis Edge was one of the most important motoring pioneers in Britain, having been a keen cyclist towards the end of the 19th … [Read more...]
Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid – First Impressions
Kim Henson samples the latest version of Suzuki’s popular S-Cross SUV… Suzuki has just introduced to motoring writers their new ‘Full Hybrid’ variants of the S-Cross, as distinct from the ‘Mild Hybrid’ versions of the all-new S-Cross model which arrived late in 2021. Perspective Before looking in more detail at the newcomer, it is interesting and useful to see how Suzuki is doing in what is a … [Read more...]
SMMT Test Day South provides brief road test/first impressions opportunities a-plenty
Kim Henson reports on this year's ‘Test Day South’, held in Hampshire on 29th September… The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently held its annual regional Test Days (in the north and south of the country); always much-liked, useful events on the calendar of many motoring scribes… including me. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). An annual event … [Read more...]
Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake PHEV – Brief Road Test
Kim Henson samples this striking-looking ‘estate’ from VW… (Words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). The European debut of the Arteon was in 2017, with a facelift applied in 2020. Five door hatchback and five door Shooting Brake estate models are offered today, both of which have received widespread praise for their innovative and adventurous styling, especially the Shooting Brake … [Read more...]
STOLEN FORD ESCORT MARK I – HELP NEEDED PLEASE (REWARD OFFERED)
FORD ESCORT MARK I – STOLEN AND STILL MISSING: PLEASE CAN ANYONE HELP? A much-loved bronze-coloured Ford Escort Mark I two door saloon, registration UFX 365L, was stolen on April 12th, 2022 from a private driveway in Wallisdown, east Dorset. It is believed that it was taken in the early hours of the morning. This car is still missing and the owner, Graham King, is appealing again to see if … [Read more...]
Beaulieu International Autojumble 2022 – 55 not out!
This year’s Beaulieu International Autojumble went ahead and those attending seemed very happy to be there. Kim Henson reports… (Words by, and copyright, Kim Henson; photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson and Chris Adamson, as individually credited). Many classic vehicle enthusiasts were looking forward to the 2022 International Autojumble at Beaulieu, the 55th event (sponsored again by … [Read more...]
Great Dorset Steam Fair is back at last…
The Great Dorset Steam Fair, knocked out by Covid for 2020 and 2021, came back in 2022, much to the deep joy of participants and visitors. Kim Henson reports… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). They say that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and it has certainly been the case that the much-loved Great Dorset Steam Fair has been much missed by devotees. … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – and a Competition Prize; you can win a copy – ‘Hand Wash Only – A Beginner’s Guide to Detailing and Car Care’
YOU could win one of two copies of this top class book; please see below for details of our Wheels-Alive competition… So what is the book all about? We review the book, but first the publishers of ‘Hand Wash Only’ tell us… Car enthusiasts all over the world know that washing their vehicle by hand is the best way to keep it looking its best. In recent times 'detailing' has become the … [Read more...]
Wheels-Alive Competition, starting at 9am Tuesday 2nd August; you can win a copy – ‘Hand Wash Only – A Beginner’s Guide to Detailing and Car Care’
This comprehensive new book on vehicle 'detailing' will be reviewed at 9am tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd August 2022 on Wheels-Alive, with the chance to win a copy in a free to enter competition which closes at 8.59am on Friday, 12th August. … [Read more...]
BMC and Leyland Show attracted classics galore on a very hot summer weekend
Enthusiasts flock to the BMC and Leyland Show… …Kim Henson reports. (All text and all photographs – except one as individually credited – by, and copyright, Kim Henson). The British Motor Museum at Gaydon played host to this year’s BMC and Leyland Show (held annually, Covid-apart) on Sunday 10th July. On a blistering hot day, more than 800 classic vehicles produced by BMC BL, Leyland and … [Read more...]
Splendid Standards at Cranfield
This year’s Standard Motor Club International Rally attracted a wide variety of models and was enjoyed by participants from far and wide. Kim Henson reports… The worldwide curse of Covid meant a gap of three years since the Standard Motor Club was last able to hold its International Rally, so that there was even more than usual eager anticipation for rally-goers ahead of the 2022 event. Over … [Read more...]
Kias galore – briefly test driven in one day
Kim Henson samples the latest model range from the go-ahead firm of Kia… (All words and photographs copyright Kim Henson). Kia’s progress in the U.K. in recent years has been nothing short of sensational, with an ever-broadening line-up of cars offering ‘something for everyone’, from the compact Picanto to the sophisticated Sportage (mid-size) and Sorento (large) SUVs to the gloriously sporty … [Read more...]
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